Damian Lillard Returns Home: Blazers Reunite with Franchise Legend on $42M Deal, Eyes Future Glory
Damian Lillard, the nine-time NBA All-Star and Portland Trail Blazers legend, has reached an agreement to return to his old stomping grounds on a three-year, $42 million contract. This deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season and, notably, a no-trade clause—a privilege that only he and LeBron James currently hold in the NBA. Lillard’s return marks a new chapter in a career defined by loyalty and perseverance, making it clear that the Blazers and the star point guard still have much unfinished business together.
Lillard’s journey back to Portland is a deeply personal one. While the 35-year-old had the option to join NBA contenders, multiple teams offered him mid-level exceptions or minimum deals. However, it was clear that the place where he and his family felt most at home—Portland—held the ultimate significance. Despite the Milwaukee Bucks waiving him earlier in the offseason and choosing to stretch the $113 million left on his contract to make room for free agent Myles Turner, Lillard’s decision to return was driven by more than just basketball.
The Blazers front office, led by general manager Joe Cronin and head coach Chauncey Billups, worked closely with Lillard over recent weeks to secure a deal that would bring the icon back. Lillard’s love for the franchise and the city was undeniable, with multiple discussions helping both sides reconcile and come to an agreement that ensures a mutually beneficial future.
Lillard’s return brings with it not just his scoring and playmaking, but also a sense of continuity to the Blazers’ rebuilding process. With Lillard, Jrue Holiday (who was reacquired in a trade with the Celtics this offseason), and a promising young roster that includes Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, and Deni Avdija, Portland has the makings of a solid team to build around. The Blazers will also carry assets like a 2029 first-round pick and two Bucks pick swaps, making their future prospects even brighter.
For Lillard, his 11 years with Portland have been nothing short of historic. He’s the team’s all-time leader in points (19,376), 3-pointers (2,387), and second in assists (5,151). His seven All-NBA appearances, seven All-Star selections, and playoff runs—including a Western Conference finals appearance in 2019—are etched into the franchise’s lore. What sets Lillard apart is his performance on the court, having scored 55 or more points seven times for the Blazers, a feat unmatched in the team’s history.
As Lillard works to rehabilitate his injury in the 2025-26 season, his return represents more than a comeback. It’s a story of loyalty, family, and unfinished business, as Portland seeks to build on its strong finish to last season, which saw them rank among the NBA’s top defenses. With the iconic star back in the fold, the Trail Blazers’ future has never looked more promising.
